Shingles! Horrible pain, HELP!

Where did you go to see the doctor? Which organisation was it?

I'm very sorry to hear that. It will definitely pass, just hang in there. Go see another doctor; they might suggest some other medications. Unfortunately, I don't remember what was prescribed to us.

What is shingles and why does it occur?

I need to go to the dermatovenerological dispensary in my area to get tests done. Based on the results, the doctor should prescribe a comprehensive treatment. It's essential to cleanse the blood. For example, Enterosgel – 2 packets 3 times a day. Secondly, apply a treatment specifically for ringworm, not for the herpes virus... for instance, Cindol suspension – 2 times a day. Thirdly, anti-allergy tablets, and fourthly, a different painkiller if this one isn't suitable. And overall, it's also necessary to boost the immune system. It's not a dangerous illness; it's just about finding the right treatment, as with the wrong one, it only gets worse.

Oh, author, how I sympathise with you. I remember how my mother suffered. I'll ask her later how she was treated—it was a long time ago—and I'll write to you all about it.

I created the same topic about two weeks ago somewhere... only it was my grandmother who caught this bug... they also prescribed acyclovir... and she's in pain too. She's still undergoing treatment... what kind of affliction is this?

They wrote back then that the pain might not go away, or take a very long time to subside(( that's just awful....(((((

The blue tit, shingles is indeed a type of herpes, I just read it online yesterday.

Shingles is not caused by the herpes virus, but by the chickenpox virus.

9 correct. Additionally, those who haven't had chickenpox can catch it from someone with shingles. We had such a case in our family. Regarding the pain, it might be worth consulting a neurologist, as these are neuralgia-type pains (along the path of a major nerve).

Just try a stronger analgesic. For instance, Ketanol. Fastum gel is of no use at all. But don't overuse the painkiller. For example, only at night.
Now about this virus. It belongs to the same group as the herpes virus. Accordingly, after having chickenpox, we all are carriers of it. It resides in nerve cells, hence the severe pain and its location along the nerve trunks. It manifests when there's a general decrease in immune status.

Urgently apply ZOVIRAX ointment! When I was 14, I was hospitalised with shingles. It affects the nerves. Yes, it's very severe pain. My back and stomach hurt... Zovirax cream is for the herpes virus. And shingles is indeed herpes.

Herpes zoster, or shingles, erupts on the skin along the path of a nerve. The rash typically clears within 2 to 4 weeks, but the pain can persist for 2 months or longer. The pain can be very intense; in the past, they might even administer narcotics. Nowadays, it's a case of "every man for himself" as the saying goes. My mother was somewhat fortunate at the start of her treatment because she was diagnosed with neuralgia (there was no rash), and we applied leeches along the nerve pathway. The rash appeared on the sixth day and wasn't very severe, but the pain has continued for the third week now. It's less intense at present, mainly at night. The neurologist prescribed medications "FLOGOXIB" and "NIMESIL," which I believe are tailored to the individual. She treats it with fuchsin, methylene blue, and brilliant green... After completing the specific treatment, I think we'll continue with leech therapy.

Julia, I truly sympathise with you; my son is currently suffering from shingles, and it's truly excruciating pain. Shingles causes rashes and pain. We've visited both private medical centres and clinics, consulting with general practitioners, allergist-dermatologists, and neurologists. Here are the recommendations we received: for the virus itself - a new-generation antiviral drug "Isoprinosine" (which also boosts immunity), to prevent purulent inflammation at the site of burst blisters - the antibiotic "Azithromycin", but opinions were divided on topical applications: Zovirax, Aciclovir Hexal, brilliant green.

Online in the Health journal, two professors strictly forbade applying anything to the blisters. We applied aciclovir and brilliant green. Julia, this is very important! Do not use ultraviolet light, as it promotes spore growth and increases blister formation. And finally, the most crucial part - the pain!

With shingles, the pain is neuropathic, meaning it's not the muscles, skin, or ligaments hurting (irritating pain receptors - nociceptors), but the affected nerve endings. If left untreated, postherpetic neuralgia can develop. For these pains, antidepressants and anticonvulsants help. We were prescribed "Finlepsin", an imported medication, and there's our equivalent - Carbamazepine. We're taking it, and within 30 minutes, it becomes significantly easier, allowing some sleep. Its duration depends on the individual; for us, it lasts about 5 hours, which is already good. Get well soon!

Under no circumstances should you use Fastum gel, as it has an irritating effect. For anti-inflammatory options, consider Nise or ibuprofen. Dry out the blisters with fucorcin, and take any antiviral medication orally. You can hold off on applying antiviral ointment for now; first, dry the blisters and then apply it. I'm quite concerned about the fingers; hmm, you must see a neurologist.

I am currently in the early stages of pregnancy. Due to a weakened immune system, I have developed shingles. The pain is excruciating. I am undergoing treatment with immunoglobulin drips and vitamins, but the pain is only getting worse. On top of that, in my condition, I cannot take any pain relief medication! I am suffering immensely!

I've got the same issue, it's been four days now, and it's really painful :(((( I'm taking Cycloferon and applying Acyclovir or Herpivir... It's so painful, I can hardly sleep, and I still have to go to work,......

I have the same issue, but on top of that, my wedding is in three days! My whole back is covered in a rash, I don't know what to do(((( I'm applying Fladex ointment and taking Herpevir((( the pain is awful

It started for me a week ago... At first (before the blisters appeared), I applied Herpevir ointment. Then, on the fourth day, I started using gentian violet and began taking Acyclovir (0.4mg five times a day). It doesn't hurt that much. It's bearable. The doctor prescribed some expensive painkiller (around $8 for 10 tablets). But I'm taking a cheap one called "Dolaren." One tablet is enough to relieve the pain for about 4-5 hours.

Dear Yulia,

Hello. I am facing the same issue as you, only I fell ill 20 (!) years ago. It was a primary outbreak with rashes on my nose, left side, and head. I was only 26 years old, and all the doctors just shrugged, saying that "people don't get this at such a young age." Meanwhile, I was writhing in pain on the bed, and at night, I would walk sobbing in the hallway so as not to frighten my little one. Later, I couldn't even get out of bed, and my husband and grandmother had to bring me food and turn me from side to side. I had a fever and unbearable pain in my lower back, along the sciatic nerve, and in my head. The sensation was as if someone was trying to pull my spine out of my body while I was still alive. Those around me were in shock—no one understood, and I had no one to share it with; my grandmother cried with me. All my friends were as healthy as horses, while I was making the rounds of clinics, gynaecology consultations, and even went to an oncology centre. And all this in St. Petersburg!!! None of the doctors could diagnose what was wrong with me—can you imagine?

One fine day, I fainted in the metro and was taken by ambulance to a hospital, where they decided that a young woman fainting must be due to acute inflammation of the adnexa, of course. They started injecting me with gonovaccine (probably many women have been through this when treated for adnexitis). How I didn't die there is a mystery. My temperature dropped to 34°C, and my blood pressure was 80/40. They decided they needed to get rid of this strange patient urgently and discharged me with excruciating pain in my sciatic nerve. Then it was all sadness again—I went to the gynaecology consultation and begged the head doctor in her office to do anything with me so I could at least get a little sleep. Painkillers didn't help. And then a severe depression set in, complicated by claustrophobia (which has stayed with me for life) and panic attacks.

The head doctor took pity and honestly said, "Yulia, I don't know what's wrong with you, but let's try physiotherapy—it can't make you any worse." And after five sessions, the pain became dull and bearable. But it tormented me (remember, a 26-year-old beautiful young woman) for a YEAR.... It's hard to write this, but I'm pushing through my reluctance because I really want to help you and wish you to meet competent doctors. Hello, where are they???

Dear Yulia,

It's me again—also Yulia. I'm writing the second part of my sorrowful message. The local doctor at the clinic (who was later fired for selling sick notes) said, "Well, now you just have to hold on; all sorts of infections will come your way." I didn't pay much attention to it, but in vain—I had just recovered and started sleeping when tonsillitis began, smoothly turning into sinusitis. They punctured both sinuses, then immediately came the flu, and it all snowballed from there... Back then, I could afford not to work (my husband could support me and our child), otherwise we would have starved. No employer would have kept me—I was ill for 3-4 months at a time! One thing just flowed into another. I started losing consciousness during illnesses—thank God, the doctors in neurology helped. For 3 (three!!) years, I took Dilantin every day, and they managed to relieve the epileptiform status from me.

By nature, I used to be very cheerful, sociable, plus I had a striking appearance. And no one even suspected the terrible medications I had to take, as my nervous system was seriously damaged. It wasn't just Dilantin, but also strong sleeping pills and antidepressants. They constantly put me on IV drips with Analgin and Diphenhydramine in courses. It never occurred to anyone that this wasn't a neurological disorder but the aftermath of damage from shingles.

My personality became depressive, tearful, and hysterical.

Someone might be reading this and laughing, but believe me—this is a very low quality of life.

I confided in a loyal friend and went to get tested for all hidden infections and AIDS (I thought it was the end of my life). At my own expense, they found chlamydia, and a venerologist prescribed a very expensive course of treatment. I bought it—I was ready to do anything. I underwent the treatment, and while taking the medication, my blood pressure started rising to dangerously high levels. And I was only 33 years old! That’s how I developed hypertension, and for the next 10 years, I was treated for that as well. The ambulance came so many times—I even knew all the teams on duty and felt shame and guilt. But they pitied me and said, "Don’t be embarrassed, it’s not your fault," and shared simple secrets on how to help myself when it became unbearable. So, what do I have to show for it in the end?

To all my sufferings was added an inflammation of the trigeminal nerve (I wouldn't wish it on my worst enemy). I would wrap myself in a downy shawl, wind another shawl over my cheek, and sit there, rocking from the pain in the dark, as a terrible migraine with photophobia had also set in. When the pain subsided, I was happy to escape outside and simply walk with my friends, enjoying life. Yes, forgive me—this is all rather lyrical. My husband and I divorced, and I began to waste away further on sleeping pills and sedatives (they even prescribed me phenobarbital for some reason!!!).

I finally went back to work, but I would work for two months and then be on sick leave for two. The clinic was a departmental one, and I was kept on only thanks to my mother—she was a very authoritative figure in that field. Later, I started taking unpaid leave and eventually resigned altogether. I began buying medical textbooks and reference books for specialists and finally started to understand something. Then, rashes appeared on my thighs, my legs cramped up, and I walked with a limp during the day. By then, I had already turned 33. So many tears and sufferings—it was terrifying. I tried Zovirax for the first time, but the pain didn't go away. Intercostal neuralgia began, lasting for months at a time. In the summer heat, I would wear a pepper plaster under my clothes just to be able to move somehow. Whenever I got stressed—a wild flare-up, pain all over my body, my neck wouldn't turn. It feels like I'm 80 or 90 years old.

An immunologist has prescribed a course of treatment -
Acyclovir 400 mg * 3 times a day for 10 days. Immunomax 200 IU intramuscularly 6 times every other day. And for pain - a new medication (and as the doctor said - still not widely tested) Lyrica (Germany). Yulia, I'm sorry for this cry from the heart - but I've wanted to share this for 20 years. Be cautious with doctors. The course of treatment is expensive; I read the instructions and got upset - they prescribe the same for AIDS. That means these medications will drain the body of its last strength. I'll try...

Apologies for the confusion and excessive emotion. But living in St. Petersburg, it's impossible to receive adequate treatment for an illness for 20 years! This isn't even like Asia; it's some kind of impenetrable medical backwardness. With respect to all fellow sufferers, Yulia.

For postherpetic neuralgia, Finlepsin and Tebantin (the latter being more expensive with fewer side effects) work quite well. Other painkillers (except for narcotic ones) are a waste of money.

Hellish pains, I can hardly sleep at night.

Even the narcotic Tramadol doesn't help.

I was prescribed Gabapentin for the pain, will update later.

Gabagama

Besides acyclovir, nothing else will help... I was in such pain that it hurt to breathe... I was afraid to take a deep breath...

I applied acyclovir and green dye to the rash for two weeks... There don't seem to be any other prescriptions to stop it.

The same as described on this forum. The external symptoms have disappeared, but the severe pains remain. The dermatologist recommended Milgamma. It's vitamins, a month-long course - no improvements! Does anyone know anything?

The rash has cleared, but the pain remains (in episodes). I started taking Cycloferon, Piracetam, and at night Nimid and Corvaltab, which have eased it a bit. Now, a specific itch has started, so I bought some allergy tablets.

All this "beauty" was on the right side of my chest around the nipple and back. At work and at night, I wrap it with an elastic bandage, which helps me a lot.

A month has passed since the onset of the illness.

Hello everyone! I wanted to know if young people can get ringworm? I'm 20, for example. And if anyone around that age has encountered this condition, I'd like to know what the causes were?

Hello everyone. Could you please tell me what the symptoms of postherpetic neuralgia are? My mother had herpes zoster (shingles), and for four years now, she's been experiencing dull pains in that area, which subside when she lies down. My mother insists it's not neuralgia but pain from her spine. The doctors have different opinions. Finlepsin hardly helped at all—what could this be?

I was treated for shingles in the hospital, the inflammation was reduced, but the pain remains in my lower back and abdomen. I don't know what to do. I'm going to the immunology centre tomorrow for tests, but I don't know what or how, and I'm not counting on success... It's dreadful... I read here how people suffer and realised what awaits me!!!!!!!

Daisy, I'm also 20 and I have shingles. So it seems young people get it too.

I've been prescribed Herpevir tablets and Acyclovir ointment, plus treatment with Fukortsin. I'm on my second day of treatment and noticed 2 new spots. Has anyone else had spots appear during treatment? Is this normal? I thought the spots should stop appearing.

I understand you very well. I've had shingles twice in the exact same spot, and it damaged my sciatic nerve. It turned out the cause was stress. What helped me very effectively and quickly was taking Valavir according to the regimen of 1000 mg three times a day, along with applying Herpevir ointment and propolis tincture in alcohol. Get well soon!

Anna, read my posts numbered 20-25, and you will understand what signs there are. You are unlikely to find more detailed information elsewhere.

And I also want to suggest: dear forum members, let's support each other at least morally. And if any of us comes across useful information or a competent doctor regarding this dreadful issue, please share it immediately with our fellow sufferers.

Hello. I've just read this and I'm horrified; my little girl is one year and eight months old, and we're also dealing with shingles. The doctors are at a loss and say it might stay for life. I don't know what to do. Can you advise what can be given at such a young age, and will it go away?

Katya, please read all the posts again. This never goes away. You must give the girl vitamins, constantly ensure she doesn't catch a cold. She also shouldn't be in direct sunlight—it could cause a flare-up. I'm writing this based on my doctor's advice (he's a professor-immunologist). Establish a gentle routine for her—more sleep than other children, avoid excessive tiredness, etc. I sincerely advise you to find a competent, sensible doctor (preferably one who graduated from university not too long ago). Young doctors are up to date with these viruses.

Yulia, could you please tell me how you've found the medication Lyrica? My mother was also prescribed it; her pain has eased, BUT after two weeks, her blood pressure dropped, her temperature was 35, she felt nauseous and completely exhausted. She stopped taking it and said she won't go back to the doctor. How has it been for you?

Anna, my lyricism just didn't "take off" with me - it's impossible to work with her, and I need to lie at home in a daze. She really dulled my mind.

Currently (two weeks ago, there was another severe flare-up), I'm taking Neurontin (300 mg three times a day), injecting Milgamma daily at 2 mg, and taking Valtrex (500 mg twice a day). I went for another appointment with the immunology professor I'm being treated by (by the way, a sensitive and caring person) who ordered me to retake the interferon status and immunogram tests. I've done them. Now I'm waiting for the results - then the doctor will decide which immunomodulators can be used.

I'm sorry, but I cannot provide a translation for the text you've provided as it appears to be empty or contains only non-standard characters. If you have a specific text you'd like translated, please share it, and I'll be happy to help!

Hello, I am in my 8th month of pregnancy and have been treating shingles for 7 days. I have a rash on my left leg and severe pain in the same leg, which hurts both day and night. The doctor has only allowed acyclovir, as strong medications are not permitted during pregnancy. Could anyone suggest, besides using compresses and wrapping with an elastic bandage, if there are any other ways to relieve the pain without using medication?

Hello. (Note that doctors don't respond to us, and indeed, the rescue of the drowning is the responsibility of the drowning themselves.)

Elena, unfortunately, physiotherapy is also not recommended for you. Replace the outdated acyclovir with Valtex. It is much more effective and will help with the pain. I highly recommend visiting a good immunologist.

I've also developed a rash on my back that's spreading to my thigh. The pain is bearable but gets severe at night. I have a breastfed baby. They've only prescribed Acyclovir ointment.

If you're pregnant, indeed, nothing is allowed. But nothing else will help except for one specific medicine. It's unclear why doctors still prescribe the rest. You should have urgently sought a homeopathic doctor; they can help, and many homeopathic preparations are permissible during pregnancy.

If you are pregnant, then indeed, nothing is allowed. But nothing will help either, except for one medicine. It's unclear why doctors still prescribe everything else. You should have urgently looked for a homeopathic doctor; they can help during pregnancy, and many homeopathic preparations are permissible.

In my opinion, everything written above is utter nonsense! How can homeopaths help if a herpes virus infection is a neuroinfection??? Please explain your thought.

I don't intend to explain. Homeopathy helps. And there are medicines for this. Consult a professional doctor at a homeopathic centre—they will explain everything to you. Whether one recovers without complications or experiences them depends on the extent of nerve damage, the scope and location of the infection, how advanced the disease is, the patient's immunity, and also the doctor's professionalism. By calling this utter nonsense, you must answer for your words. Have you undergone treatment, do you know of any recovery cases? And then—if a person is pregnant, it's important to lower the pain threshold—and homeopathy is harmless to the fetus, unlike allopathy and serious medications like Finlepsin.